Review - Paying for College Without Going Broke, 2017 Edition

I was the first person in my family to go to college. After completing my undergraduate studies, I went on to law school, and after thatbefore I entered political officeI was a law professor at the University of Arkansas. The time I spent in the classroom was vital to my professional growth, and I was able to pursue higher education only because I had the help of scholarships, loans, and jobs along the way. Though it wasnt always easyas an undergrad, I lived on just a few dollars a weekit was far from impossible, and the investments I made in both time and money have paid immeasurable returns. My schooling, as well as the friends I made and the life experience I gained throughout, gave me opportunities, confidence, and hope for my future.

A college education should never be considered unattainable by any American. There are many avenues for funding available, but knowing how to look for assistance, as well as where to find it, is critical. Fortunately, our country has long recognized the importance of access to higher education. The land grant college system was established under Abraham Lincoln, the GI Bill after World War II, and the Pell Grants in the 1970s. My Administration established the HOPE Scholarship and the Lifetime Learning tax credit, which together have provided billions of dollars in tax credits to tens of millions of American families paying for college. We created AmeriCorps, one of my proudest accomplishments as President, which gave young people the opportunity to serve their communities while earning money for college. We also expanded the Federal Work-Study program, cut student fees and interest rates on all loans, and increased repayment options. Students saved more than $9 billion during my terms in office through the reductions in loan fees and interest rates.

While it has long been a key source of opportunity, a higher education is a necessity in todays world. The challenges of todays lightning-paced and information-driven global society mean that investing in the minds of our young people is the most important thing our nation can do. Every American child, regardless of race, religion, or income, will need an education to guarantee our future success as a country and our competitiveness in the world, and I am committed to inspiring more young people to attend and finish college. Both my Foundation and the Clinton Global Initiative, along with many other fine public and private institutions, are working to not only spread the word that the cost of tuition shouldnt be an obstacle to attending college, but to also improve access to education in measurable ways. The good news is that there is more help than ever before for college-bound students and their families. Paying for College Without Going Broke is a comprehensive guide to the ins and outs of financing a college education. This straight-talking volume gives much-needed direction to students and the families who love and support them.

If you invest in your future through education, youre taking the long view. Both the efforts and the sacrifices you make today will yield great rewards tomorrow.

Bill Clinton